Diwali 2024: When will Diwali Be Celebrated?
This year, the festival of Diwali falls on October 31, 2024. The timing has created some confusion among devotees regarding whether to celebrate on October 31 or November 1.
According to leading astrologers and Hindu scholars across India, Diwali will primarily be celebrated on October 31. The Amavasya Tithi (new moon) begins in the afternoon on October 31 and will extend until the evening of November 1. Therefore, Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja is advised on the evening of October 31.
Diwali 2024 Amavasya Tithi Details
Diwali is traditionally celebrated on the Amavasya Tithi (new moon day) in the month of Kartik. In 2024, the Amavasya Tithi begins on October 31 at 3:52 PM and concludes on November 1 at 6:16 PM. Following Amavasya, the Pratipada Tithi will commence. Thus, the most auspicious day for Diwali celebration, as per Hindu tradition, is October 31, 2024.
Significance of Lakshmi Puja on Diwali
Diwali is one of the most celebrated festivals in Hinduism, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. It is believed that on Kartik Amavasya night, Mahalakshmi, the goddess of wealth, descends to Earth, visiting clean and well-maintained homes where devotion and prayer resonate. Hindus perform Lakshmi-Ganesha and Kuber Puja during the evening, especially during the Pradosh Kaal—a period shortly after sunset that lasts around two hours and 24 minutes.
Auspicious Muhurat for Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja on Diwali 2024
Hindu tradition emphasizes performing Lakshmi Puja during Pradosh Kaal on Amavasya Tithi. The following time slots are recommended:
- Pradosh Kaal Muhurat: October 31, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:24 PM
- Stable Lagna Muhurat (Vrishabha Lagna): October 31, 2024, from 7:18 PM to 9:14 PM
These timeframes are considered highly auspicious for invoking Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, praying for prosperity, fortune, and peace.
Why Diwali Holds Special Importance for Lakshmi Puja
Diwali celebrations mark the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his victory over Ravana, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. However, Lakshmi Puja holds a distinct significance on this day, as devotees believe that Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, visits Earth, blessing those who maintain cleanliness, devotion, and reverence.
How to Perform Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja on Diwali
Lakshmi Puja on Diwali involves a series of steps that honor multiple deities, particularly:
- Clean and Decorate the Home: Ensure cleanliness and illuminate your home with diyas (oil lamps) and decorative lights.
- Prepare the Puja Area: Create a dedicated space with idols or images of Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Kuber.
- Light Diyas and Incense: Light oil lamps, incense sticks, and prepare offerings.
- Perform Ganesh Puja: Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, is worshipped before all other deities.
- Invoke Goddess Lakshmi: Offer flowers, sweets, and coins to invoke blessings of wealth, health, and prosperity.
- Prayers and Mantras: Recite Lakshmi and Ganesh mantras to seek divine blessings.
- Share Prasad: Distribute Prasad (offering) to family members and neighbors.
Conclusion
The Diwali 2024 Laxmi Puja Muhurat, according to religious experts and astrologers, holds significant importance on October 31, during Pradosh Kaal. This festival not only brings families together to honor tradition but also welcomes the blessings of Mahalakshmi, ensuring prosperity, peace, and harmony for the coming year.
May this Diwali light up homes with joy, wealth, and divine blessings.
Read also :Dhanteras 2024: Rituals and Remedies for Wealth and Prosperity